Toyo Tyre Malaysia Sdn Bhd (TTM) officiated its new plant in Kamunting Raya

KAMUNTING: Tyre maker Toyo Tyre Malaysia Sdn Bhd (TTM) officiated its new plant building here on Thursday (Oct 3).

The phase two plant expansion project was divided into two stages, including the construction of the new plant and installation of additional production equipment.

The state-of-the-art manufacturing facility is located on a 59.9ha site in the Kamunting Raya industrial area.

Toyo Tire Corporation president and chief executive officer Takashi Shimizu said the plant would not only reinforce the brand’s global tyre manufacturing capabilities but also serve as a “hub for global supply” to various markets such as Europe, Japan, the Middle East, the United States and Asia.

“Our investment is due to the country’s political stability, sustainable economic growth, conducive investment environment, good infrastructure, as well as highly skilled, and productive, workforce, ” he said in his speech during the launching of the plant.

Shimizu thanked both the Federal, and Perak governments for the cooperation and support in making TTM what it is today.

The guest-of-honour at the event was deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Ong Kian Ming while TTM president Mike Toh was also present.

Toh said with the new plant in place, approximately 500 employees would be hired to add to the current 1,100 workforce following the plant’s first stage of expansion.

“With the first stage to be fully completed by May 2020, this would increase production capacity by another 2.4mil tyres to a total capacity of 7.4mil per year.

“This would make TTM the largest tyre plant in Malaysia, ” he added.

Ong, in his speech, said the ministry was happy to witness the realisation of quality investments such as these, which will contribute to the employment and livelihood of the local community.

“I was informed that since its establishment in 2011, Toyo Tyres Malaysia has invested more than RM1.1bil in the country and it employs over 1,000 workers, of which 99% comprise locals.

“This factory serves as a hub for the Group’s global product supply and is currently producing five million tyres annually for domestic and export markets.

“I am pleased to note that phase two, among others, will increase production to 7.4 million units and create additional employment opportunities for some 500 locals, ” he added.

Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/10/03/tyre-maker-launches-new-plant-building-in-style